NF Innova Honored in Two Categories at the Adria Fintech Journal Innovation Recognition Program

Marija Dželajlija Džodžo, Chief Editor

As financial technology continues to reshape the banking landscape, the importance of well-executed digital transformation and superior customer experience cannot be overstated. The Adria Fintech Journal Innovation Recognition Program, launching this year, is designed to highlight and celebrate advancements that set a new standard in the industry. This initiative aims to elevate the visibility of high-quality financial technology solutions emerging across Southeast Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions, bringing deserving attention to trailblazers like NF Innova. On December 18, 2024, the awards ceremony in Belgrade will recognize their significant contributions.

The Vision Behind the Recognition Program

In a world where digital banking continues to evolve at a rapid pace, distinguishing exceptional work from mere participation is crucial. The Adria Fintech Journal’s recognition program has been carefully curated to identify and showcase standout innovations that have a measurable impact. This is not simply about applauding concepts or ideas but about honoring solutions that have tangibly improved banking processes and customer engagement.

For NF Innova, receiving recognition in the Best Customer Experience Solution and Digital Transformation Leadership categories represents the culmination of years of strategic focus and meticulous execution. These accolades are a testament to the company’s steadfast commitment to advancing digital banking and providing real value to financial institutions.

A Thoughtful Approach to Customer Experience

When NF Innova developed the FINTENSE platform, the company was addressing a critical shift in customer expectations. Modern banking customers expect convenience, speed, and a seamless experience, and FINTENSE is purpose-built to deliver just that. Raiffeisen Bank Serbia’s iCash online lending service, powered by NF Innova, exemplifies this. Before iCash, loan applications could take weeks and required multiple in-person visits. Now, customers can complete the process entirely online in less than 15 minutes, with far fewer data fields to fill out. The result is a Net Promoter Score exceeding 75, reflecting high customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Digital Transformation with Practical Impact

Recognition in the Digital Transformation Leadership category underscores NF Innova’s ability to facilitate efficient, meaningful changes for its banking partners. One striking example is OTP Banka Srbija's super-app. This collaboration led to the launch of a comprehensive digital banking solution, integrating financial services with everyday conveniences like food delivery and social networking. Importantly, OTP Banka was able to improve operational efficiency while simultaneously reducing costs and customer churn​.

The FINTENSE platform’s flexibility is one of its core strengths, allowing banks to integrate digital services with legacy infrastructure seamlessly. This pragmatic approach ensures that banks can deploy new products quickly, meeting market demands without overhauling their existing systems.

NF Innova: A Partner in Progress

Established with the goal of developing new ways how banks can approach digital transformation, NF Innova operates with a clear mission. The company provides an all-encompassing digital banking platform that supports a holistic, customer-centric experience across various touchpoints. The key to NF Innova’s approach is adaptability—offering solutions that can be tailored to the specific needs of banks, whether they are small regional institutions or large multinational corporations.

The FINTENSE platform is not only about technology but also about fostering a new culture of agility and responsiveness within financial institutions. NF Innova’s architecture-led approach has helped banks like Raiffeisen Bank Albania and QIIB in Qatar achieve significant milestones, both operationally and in customer engagement​.

Measurable Outcomes, Not Just Concepts

NF Innova’s work has produced concrete results, a crucial factor in securing recognition. At Raiffeisen Bank Serbia, the iCash solution has become a strategic product, accounting for 50% of the bank’s loan volume. By digitizing the lending process and reducing associated costs by up to 40%, NF Innova has proven that digital transformation can lead to significant financial and operational gains. Furthermore, during the pandemic, the digital readiness facilitated by NF Innova’s solutions enabled Raiffeisen Bank to continue serving customers without interruption, a key advantage when many banks struggled with branch closures.

OTP Banka’s experience further illustrates the importance of practical digital solutions. Their super-app has set a new benchmark in the region, differentiating the bank from competitors and attracting a new generation of tech-savvy customers. By integrating services such as payment processing and real-time personalized financial management, the app has positioned OTP Banka as a leader in digital innovation​.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Strategic Collaboration

The relationship between banks and fintech companies is evolving from one of cautious partnership to one of essential collaboration. NF Innova’s approach reflects this trend, focusing on long-term, strategic relationships rather than short-term gains. As Gregor Bierent, CEO of NF Innova, explains, “fintech partnerships work best when banks view them as long-term relationships. Project teams from the bank and fintech firm should collaborate wherever possible. These teams need to feel valued and believe that the work they are performing advances their careers.” This alignment has become the foundation of successful digital transformation initiatives​.

About NF Innova

NF Innova has established itself as a leader in the digital transformation of banks. With its FINTENSE platform, the company enables financial institutions to deliver state-of-the-art banking services. The platform incorporates a holistic approach, offering features such as integrated personal finance management (PFM), real-time automation, and a user-friendly digital interface.

Operating across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, NF Innova continues to expand its impact. Its clients are not just adopting digital solutions—they are embracing a future where banking is simple, efficient, and aligned with customer needs.

NF Innova’s vision for the future is clear: help banks become central players in a new ecosystem, offering not just financial transactions but integrated, value-added services that fit seamlessly into the daily lives of their customers. As banking continues to evolve, NF Innova remains committed to innovation, adaptability, and strategic execution.

Conclusion

The Adria Fintech Journal Innovation Recognition Program serves as a reminder of the ongoing transformation in financial services. By highlighting the achievements of companies like NF Innova, the program encourages further innovation and collaboration. As December 18 approaches, banking leaders will have the chance to reflect on these advancements and consider how similar strategies might benefit their own organizations. NF Innova’s journey offers a compelling blueprint for a future where digital and traditional banking coexist, driven by a shared commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.